The Ultimate Summer Camp Preparation Checklist: 25 Must-Have Items

Topics: Outdoor Activities 

Age Range: Preschool 

Summer camp is an exciting opportunity for children to explore the outdoors, develop independence, and make new friends. Whether your child is heading to camp for the first time or is a seasoned camper, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

At KLA Schools, we understand the importance of creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and have fun during the summer. Our summer camp programs are designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and social development through hands-on activities, outdoor adventures, and collaborative learning experiences.

This summer camp preparation checklist will help you cover all the essentials to ensure your child has a fantastic time at camp.

How to Prepare for Summer Camp

Discuss the Summer Camp Experience

Preparing your child for summer camp starts with open communication. Discuss what they can expect, including the activities, sleeping arrangements, and daily schedule. If your child is nervous, reassure them by sharing positive stories or connecting them with other children who have attended camp before.

Ensure All Necessary Forms Are Filled Out

Most camps require essential paperwork to be completed before your child attends. These forms typically include:

  • Emergency contact details
  • Medical history and vaccination records
  • Food allergies or dietary restrictions
  • Pick-up authorization forms
  • Permission slips for specific activities

Completing these forms well in advance ensures no last-minute issues could delay your child’s participation.

Pack the Right Summer Camp Clothing and Equipment

Your child’s comfort and safety depend on having the right gear. Check with the camp for specific packing requirements, but in general, the following items are essential:

1. Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities
2. Sneakers or hiking shoes
3. Lightweight rain jacket
4. Swimsuit and towel
5. Sun hat and sunglasses
6. Pajamas and extra socks
7. Flip-flops for showers
8. Water bottle
9. Backpack for daily supplies

Sun Protection and Bug Repellent

Spending time outdoors means exposure to the sun and insects. To keep your child safe, pack:

10. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
11. Lip balm with SPF
12. Bug spray with DEET or a natural alternative
13. After-bite relief stick

Personal Care and Hygiene Essentials

Maintaining hygiene at camp is important, so be sure to include:

14. Toothbrush and toothpaste
15. Hairbrush or comb
16. Body wash and shampoo
17. Deodorant
18. Hand sanitizer
19. Feminine hygiene products (if applicable)

Medications and First Aid Kit

If your child takes prescription medication, pack enough for the entire camp stay and provide clear instructions for administration. A small personal first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any over-the-counter medications your child may need can also be helpful.

Sleeping Gear

Some camps provide bedding, while others require you to bring your own. Essentials include:

20. A sleeping bag or sheets, a pillow, and a blanket
21. Stuffed animal or comfort item (if needed)

Camp-Approved Snacks

Many camps provide meals, but if your child can bring snacks, pack healthy, non-perishable options such as granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers.

Entertainment and Comfort Items

During downtime, your child may appreciate having a few personal items:

22. A favorite book
23. A journal or sketchbook
24. Playing cards or a small game
25. A disposable or waterproof camera

Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp Socially and Emotionally

Brush Up on Social Skills

Interacting with new peers is an integral part of the summer camp experience. Many activities involve teamwork, cooperation, and communication, so helping your child develop strong social skills can set them up for success. Encourage them to practice:

  • Introducing themselves confidently: Role-play simple introductions so they feel comfortable meeting new friends.
  • Sharing and taking turns: Reinforce the importance of fairness and patience in group activities.
  • Expressing their needs politely: Teach them to ask for help or express concerns using kind and explicit language.
  • Managing conflict with kindness: Discuss strategies for resolving disagreements calmly, such as using “I” statements and listening to others’ perspectives.

By fostering these skills at home, your child will feel more at ease in social situations at camp.

Practice Independence

For many children, summer camp is their first experience spending extended time away from home. Helping them build independence before camp starts can make the transition smoother. Encourage small steps such as:

  • Making their bed daily: This simple habit builds responsibility and self-sufficiency.
  • Packing their backpack: Let them organize their belongings, including essentials like water bottles, sunscreen, and extra clothes.
  • Choosing their outfits for the day: Allow them to pick weather-appropriate clothing to instill decision-making skills.
  • Handling basic personal hygiene: Ensure they can brush their teeth, wash their hands, and apply sunscreen independently.

Building these habits will boost their confidence and prepare them to manage daily camp tasks.

Understand Camp Policies and Procedures

Every camp has its own set of rules regarding electronics, bedtime, meals, behavior expectations, and emergency procedures. Reviewing these policies with your child in advance will help prevent confusion or frustration.

  • Discuss screen time limits. Many camps restrict or prohibit using smartphones, tablets, or gaming devices. Encourage more offline activities at home before camp begins to help your child prepare for a break from electronics.
  • Explain camp rules on bedtime and schedules: Going over quiet hours, meal times, and activity rotations will help them adjust to the structure of camp life.
  • Talk about behavior expectations: Reinforce listening to counselors, respecting fellow campers, and following safety guidelines.

By setting clear expectations, your child will feel more comfortable and prepared for their time away.

Encourage a Positive Mindset

Some children may feel nervous, anxious, or even homesick about being away from home. Reassure them that these feelings are normal and can be managed with the right mindset. Help build their confidence by:

  • Talking about the exciting activities they’ll experience: Highlight the fun aspects of camp, such as swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, and making new friends.
  • Practicing short overnight stays: Arrange sleepovers with friends or relatives to help them get used to being away from home in a familiar setting.
  • Providing reassurance: Let them know they can always talk to a camp counselor if they feel overwhelmed. If the camp allows it, remind them that they can send letters or make scheduled phone calls.

Encouraging a positive and adventurous attitude will help your child embrace camp with excitement and confidence rather than fear or worry.

Why Choose KLA Schools for Summer Camp?

At KLA Schools, summer is a time for creativity, adventure, and self-expression. Our Preschool Summer Camp 2025, themed “Communication Adventure,” invites young minds to unlock the power of expression through stories, nature, and sound. Our innovative approach to summer learning blends hands-on activities with structured exploration to foster social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

This summer, campers at KLA Schools will engage in:

  • Interactive storytelling to spark imagination and communication skills.
  • Outdoor adventures that encourage curiosity and discovery.
  • Creative sound exploration, helping children express themselves in new ways.

By choosing KLA Schools, parents can be assured their child receives a well-rounded summer experience that fosters independence and curiosity.

The Ultimate Summer Adventure Awaits!

Proper summer camp preparation can make all the difference in ensuring your child has a safe and enjoyable experience. Following​​ this summer camp preparation checklist, you’ll help your child feel more comfortable and confident as they embark on this adventure. Each step is crucial in preparing your child for summer camp, from discussing expectations to packing the right gear. With the proper preparation, summer camp can be an unforgettable, enriching experience that builds lifelong skills and friendships.